The Sunny 16 Rule is a simple rule of thumb for taking photos in daylight without a light meter. It’s easy to remember: if you’re taking a photo of a subject under bright daylight, the aperture should be set to f/16, and shutter speed to the closest reciprocal of the film speed.
f/16 + 1 /≈ISO
For example, on a sunny day with the aperture set to f/16, using 100 ISO film, set the camera to approximately the equal (≈) shutter speed; ideally 1/100, but more likely to be 1/125. With the aperture set to f/16 using ISO 400 film, set the aperture to approximately the equal shutter speed, 1/500. From this starting point you can also use equivalent combinations based on whether you want to prioritize a specific aperture or shutter speed, for example, f/11 1/250 or f/22 1/60.
If the sun isn’t shining you can still take a well-exposed photo without a light meter. Below are some variations, still keeping the shutter speed as close as possible to the speed of the film:
f/16 |
Sunny |
LV15 |
f/11 |
Hazy / afternoon light |
LV14 |
f/8 |
Cloudy, soft shadows |
LV13 |
f/5.6 |
Very faint shadows |
LV12 |
f/4 |
Overcast / sunset sky |
LV11 |
f/2.8 |
Full shade |
LV10 |
